By Alex Drummond, Editor-in-Chief · January 15, 2026
GGPoker has replaced its Fish Buffet loyalty program with a new system called Ocean Rewards on its Ontario platform. The change, which rolled out in January 2026, restructures how Ontario players earn cashback and progress through loyalty tiers.
How Ocean Rewards Works
Ocean Rewards uses a tiered structure where players accumulate points based on their rake contribution. The tiers progress from Shrimp through Whale, with each level unlocking a higher cashback percentage. At the top tier, players can earn up to 80% effective cashback, though reaching that level requires substantial monthly volume.
The program resets monthly, so players need to maintain their volume to keep their tier. This is a change from the old Fish Buffet system, which had different reset mechanics. GGPoker says the new system is designed to reward consistent play and give players clearer visibility into their rewards progression.
Ontario-Specific Considerations
Because Ontario operates a ring-fenced player pool, the volume thresholds for Ocean Rewards tiers may be harder to hit than on GGPoker's global platform. Fewer tables running at any given time means fewer opportunities to generate rake. GGPoker has indicated that the Ontario tiers are calibrated for the provincial market, though the exact thresholds are available on the operator's site.
The change also affects how Ontario players plan their monthly volume. Under the old system, it was possible to build up progress over longer periods. The monthly reset means players who take breaks will drop tiers and need to rebuild. For casual players, the lower tiers still offer meaningful cashback, but the top tiers are clearly designed for dedicated grinders.
What Players Should Do
If you play regularly on GGPoker Ontario, check the Ocean Rewards page in the client to see where you fall in the tier structure. The transition from Fish Buffet was automatic, so you do not need to opt in. Review the tier requirements and cashback percentages to understand what level of play you need to reach your target cashback rate.
For a full review of GGPoker's Ontario platform, see our GGPoker Ontario review.
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